KUCHING – The Sarawak Government has reaffirmed its commitment to early childhood development, positioning children as a vital long-term investment for the state’s future prosperity.
Speaking at the Closing Ceremony of Sarawak Children’s Day 2025 at Plaza Merdeka, Deputy Minister of Women and Child Development, Datuk Rosey Yunus, said the state is determined to strengthen inclusive policies that safeguard children’s well-being while cultivating human capital for the years ahead.
Representing Minister of Women, Child Development and Community Welfare, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, she explained that the celebration was not only about recognising children but also about creating opportunities for them to express themselves, showcase their talents, and grow in a safe and inclusive environment.
“Children are a long-term social investment for Sarawak, one that can contribute to a sustainable and high-income state by 2030,” she said.
The event’s theme was aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, particularly in areas of social inclusion, human development, and non-discrimination.
Datuk Rosey emphasised that the welfare of children requires a ‘Whole-of-Society Approach’, involving not only government agencies but also the corporate sector, non-governmental organisations, and local communities.
She noted that collective responsibility is essential to ensure children are nurtured in environments that encourage growth, safety, and resilience.
As part of this effort, the Sarawak Government is currently formulating the Sarawak Early Childhood Development Policy, which will serve as a master plan for inclusive child development.
She stressed that the policy is not merely a written framework, but a social action plan designed to unite stakeholders in shaping future generations of Sarawakians.
The Deputy Minister also called on communities to provide safe and supportive surroundings that enable children to thrive as intelligent, capable, and responsible citizens.
The closing ceremony featured lively performances by children from various early childhood education centres, alongside an interactive exhibition highlighting children’s rights and welfare in Sarawak.
Earlier in the day, a series of programmes and activities for children were held, attracting strong participation from schools and kindergartens.
Sarawak’s focus on early childhood development has also gained recognition beyond the state. In July 2025, Sarawak’s inclusive early childhood education model was highlighted at the Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood (ARNEC) Conference in Manila, where Minister Fatimah Abdullah presented the state’s strategies for integrating children with special needs into mainstream education.
These initiatives reflect Sarawak’s broader ambition to build a resilient, inclusive, and high-income society by 2030, with children at the heart of its development agenda.
